Pop group XG reflects on the challenges of training and achieving global success
incredible journey of Japanese pop group XG showcases the transformation that seven individuals undergo from a brutal five-year training regimen to become global pop stars. XG, consisting of Maya, Juria, Hinata, Harvey, Cocona, Chisa, and Jurin, didn’t just stumble onto the stage; they underwent a grueling training process that began in 2016. Scouted from thousands of hopefuls across Japan, twenty-one trainees were chosen to embark on a rigorous training program, living together in dormitories and undergoing intensive lessons in singing, dancing, and learning multiple languages from dawn till dusk.
The training regime was no walk in the park. In a revealing documentary capturing XG’s early days, the trainees were subjected to relentless discipline, including being berated for posting photos from their dorms on social media, deemed an act that would only harm their respect. The rigorous regimen sometimes forced them to work to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion, with exercise routines leaving them sick or in tears. Maya recalls the experience as a challenging battle against herself, physically and mentally.
Despite the tough circumstances, a sense of sisterhood began to emerge among the candidates as they were eventually split into teams. Through pushing each other to improve and spending time together outside of training, bonds formed, leading to a deep connection akin to real-life siblings. The camaraderie that developed during this period laid the foundation for the unbreakable bond that XG now shares.
After five years of arduous preparation, XG made their public debut in 2022 with the release of their debut single, “Tippy Toes,” setting the stage for their global ambitions. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between rap flows and melodic vocal riffs was evident in their music, solidifying their distinctive musical approach. Their subsequent hits, such as “Galz Xypher,” showcased their trilingual rap skills and garnered millions of views, establishing their presence in the music industry and showcasing their unique style that blends sci-fi aesthetics with 90s R&B grooves.
As XG’s career skyrocketed, the band underwent personal transformations as well. Cocona, the youngest member, made a significant announcement last December on their 20th birthday, coming out as transmasculine and non-binary. This revelation was met with overwhelming support from Cocona’s bandmates and fans, emphasizing acceptance, love, and authenticity as core principles of XG’s identity.
XG’s evolution and message culminated in the release of their new album, “The Core,” embodying the idea that it’s okay to embrace one’s true self and break free from societal norms. The group’s journey from intensive training to global stardom serves as a testament to their resilience, unity, and commitment to authenticity in an industry that often demands conformity. As they continue to captivate audiences with their music and message, XG remains a shining example of individuality, solidarity, and unwavering self-expression in the world of pop music.